Introduction

People who regularly use cannabis often do poorly on drug tests. That is why many of them ask, “how long does thc stay in saliva glands?" 

 

Well, the answer is not quite as simple as you think. There is a lot that goes in!

 

In recent years, we saw a lot of changes in the legalization of cannabis for recreational and medical worldwide. With so many confusing changes around, understanding the pharmacokinetics of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component in cannabis, is important. 

 

While it's true that THC may be found in a variety of physiological fluids, saliva serves as a unique detection spot. If you're going to join your new job soon and are worried about getting a positive result on a drug test or are simply interested in how your body handles cannabis, knowing how long THC stays in your saliva glands is vital information to have.

 

Don’t worry if you are expecting a drug test soon and are probably wondering how long is THC detectable in saliva or how to pass saliva test THC. 

 

Here’s everything you need to know!

 

What is THC?

The main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, the most popular and the most hot topic of the cannabis industry, yes we are talking about tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short. 

 

As a result of THC’s interactions with CNS cannabinoid receptors, it causes the psychoactive high that many associate with marijuana. It is one of the most important cannabis components for therapeutic and recreational uses, which affects your:

 

• Mood
• Memory
• Discomfort Levels
• Chronic Pain
• Anxiety Levels
• Hunger Spans
• Perception
• Focus, etc.

 

Furthermore, it is the chemical that is mostly responsible for the medicinal benefits of cannabis. 

 

The fat-loving nature of THC means that it swiftly disperses to our fatty organs once it enters the body through one of its many entry points: smoking or eating. When THC binds to CB1, it changes the secretion of neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that communicate between neurons in the brain. As a result of this alteration, we feel the psychoactive effects of THC. 

 

Mechanics of THC in the Human Body

How THC enters the body is dependent on how you consume the product. The psychoactive compounds enter your system via your lungs or mouth and work their way through. When it enters your bloodstream and brain, it causes euphoria.

 

So, "How long does THC stay in saliva glands?" becomes an important question. 

Knowing the ins and outs of THC metabolism can help you understand the right answer. The path that cannabis takes to reach the liver and intestines is not an easy one. 

 

• Your liver begins metabolizing the substance you consume as soon as it reacts to it. In the initial step of cannabis metabolism, the liver produces enzymes that interact with the drug.

 

• Cannabinoids are combined with liver enzymes in the first stage. At this point, oxidation and hydroxylation are the main processes. Enzyme fusion is followed rapidly by hydroxylation. 

 

• Hydrogen and oxygen are introduced to the compounds during the procedure. The outcome is the onset of the psychotic symptoms.

 

• The second phase involves the process by which your body eliminates THC. Enzymes called UGT enzymes also play a role in this process. 

 

• An enzyme generates a molecule-forming combination with a molecular formula that looks like this: THC-COOH-glucuronide. As soon as THC becomes metabolized, it leaves the body through the urine.

 

Research conducted in 2020 found that THC could be detected in a smoker's saliva for up to 72 hours after inhalation. The outcome is identical for both short-term and long-term users of THC. When contrasted with a urine test, this is a relatively short duration. 

 

Factors Influencing THC Retention in Saliva

The duration of time that THC remains in saliva is affected by various factors:

 

• Frequency and Amount Of Usage: On average, cannabis tends to remain in your system for a longer time if you consume it more regularly.
• Individual Metabolism and Body Composition: Because of the fact that everyone's metabolism is different, the rate at which your body processes and removes THC can vary.
• Potency of Consumed Cannabis: How long it takes for THC to be detected is directly related to how much and how potent it is. It could take longer for stronger strains and higher dosages to break down in saliva.
• Hydration and Dietary Habits: One possible way to speed up the process of THC clearance from saliva is to drink plenty of water and eat healthily. The content of THC in saliva can be reduced by drinking beverages, making its detection less likely.

Detection Window for THC in Saliva

Traces of THC in saliva are detectable for a window of 8 to 12 hours after smoking an average-sized and -strength cannabis joint, according to studies. 

 

Laboratory accuracy was determined to be 96% compared to the gold standard, GC/MS saliva testing, and a detection cutoff threshold of 12 ng/ml was decided to perform the test.

 

How long does THC stay in Saliva Glands depends on factors specific to each person and their usage habits:

 

• For infrequent users, THC can usually be found in saliva for a maximum of 24 to 72 hours following consumption.
• Those who use cannabis regularly may find traces of the compound in their saliva for as long as seven days following their previous session.

 

Importantly, these are only approximations, as detection times might differ greatly from person to person.

 

Testing for THC in Saliva: Methods and Efficacy

A saliva drug test is a reliable way to find out if someone has used THC products recently. Simply, a patient's saliva sample is taken by swabbing their mouth with sterile cotton and then analyzed in a lab. Results usually become accessible within a few minutes.

 

According to a 2017 study, a portable saliva drug test had a 97.5% accuracy rate compared to samples examined in a lab. Possible factors that impact the test's reliability and efficacy include:

 

• Sample collecting technique
• Chemical concentration
• Alterations to salivary flow

Legal and Employment Concerns Related to Saliva Testing

Employers are confronted with the formidable challenge of ensuring a safe workplace within the constantly shifting regulations surrounding marijuana, drug testing, and the difficulty in establishing impairment. With 82% of states having legalized medicinal marijuana and 46% having legalized recreational, it's clear that public opinion is shifting in favor of legalization.

 

It is up to the individual states and, in certain cases, municipalities to decide whether or not it is lawful for employers to conduct drug tests on current and prospective employees for THC usage. Moreover, if found guilty, how to take disciplinary action against the person.

 

But, the regulations differ greatly, but there has been a recent uptick in specifically protecting off-duty recreational use. 

 

For example, with the passing of AB 2188 last year, such safeguards were extended to employees in the Golden State, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers because of their personal cannabis use. 

 

Tips for Reducing THC Detection in Saliva

To avoid or at least reduce the likelihood of a false positive on a drug test, it may be necessary to remove THC from your saliva. Here are some practical tips:

 

• Keep Hydrated: Drinking lots of water can reduce the consumption of THC metabolites in saliva. 
• Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: An alcohol-free mouthwash is a good option to clean your mouth without arousing suspicion that you're testing for drug toxins.
• Good dental hygiene: THC metabolites can stick to oral tissues, so brushing and flossing your teeth daily can help prevent these signs.
• Observe safe timing: If you are aware that a saliva drug test is around the corner, you should make an effort to arrange it during a period when you are least likely to have used cannabis recently.
• Give Up Weed: Cutting out weed for a long time before a test is the surest approach to guarantee your saliva is clear of THC.

Conclusion

You may now confidently prepare for the drug test that you have all the essential knowledge about how long THC stays in Saliva Glands.

 

We cannot predict the exact time that THC leaves your system, but some methods can help prevent positive saliva test results. 

 

THC in saliva can be detected even after a few days of using any product if you are a frequent user. On the other hand, infrequent users might get in trouble if they have to take the saliva test in 24 to 72 hours. 

 

Lastly, never underestimate the power of careful consumption, as the cannabis industry laws and regulations are changing frequently. Above all else, follow the rules set out by the government in your area. As a responsible citizen in a culture where drug testing is prevalent, you should know how using cannabis affects your jobs and other positions.

 

FAQs

What factors can extend the detection time of THC in saliva?

The time it takes for saliva glands to detect THC can be extended with regular use, higher dosages, and individual metabolism rates.

 

Is it possible to flush THC out of saliva quicker?

Although there is anecdotal evidence that suggests gargling with water, using mouthwash, or even just cleaning your teeth might quickly dilute THC levels in saliva, no such thing has been confirmed in a scientific study. These steps could temporarily lower levels that could be detected.

 

Can brushing teeth or using mouthwash affect THC saliva test results?

No amount of tooth brushing or mouthwashing will ensure that you pass a THC saliva test, but it will lessen the amount of residue in your mouth.

 

How does the body process THC in comparison to other substances?

Because it is fat-soluble, THC takes longer to process than many other substances, which means it takes longer to be detected.

 

Are saliva tests for THC reliable for legal and employment decisions?

Reliability of THC saliva tests can be affected by detection windows and recent usage, which makes them unsuitable for legal and employment choices.